Contoocook man dies after car crashes into tree

CONCORD -; A Contoocook man died Monday after his Ford Explorer hit a tree near Horse Hill and Runnells roads.Police said Stephen Blankenship, 72, was transported to Concord Hospital where he later was pronounced dead.The crash happened about 11:15 a.m. and Horse Hill Road remained closed until 3 p.m. while police investigated and the silver Ford Explorer was removed.Police said a preliminary investigation does not indicate Blankenship was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.Accident reconstruction personnel from the police department continue to investigate the accident.Anyone who witnessed it or has information about it is asked to call police at 225-8600 or the Concord Regional Crimeline at 226-3100.